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Osmonds, Tabernacle Choir unite in song

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Just a Fan | 12:32 a.m. July 26, 2008

Osmond Family ----- thank you. I fell in love with you 36 years ago and for the first time in my life I was able to see you in person except for Merrill. I saw him perform in the production of The Civil War at the Hale theater.

It was a wonderful concert. I wish I could get tickets for tomorrow night.

Hugs from Me :)

To A Wonderful Family | 1:41 a.m. July 26, 2008

The Osmonds have always been a great example as to how a family should be. To love each other and support each other and to always stay in touch. They have never allowed the world to dictate what kinds of songs they will sing nor how they will perform. This was a great article and it was so refreshing to read it!! Thanks to the Osmond Family for many decades of entertainment and best of luck to all of you!!

Cosmopolitan Not | 1:44 a.m. July 26, 2008

I wish Utah had some real talent something like you find in L.A. or the San Francisco Bay Area.

Comments continue below

georgiaonmymind | 2:01 a.m. July 26, 2008

We wish we were there! DVR is set and we can't wait to watch!

RangerGordon | 4:06 a.m. July 26, 2008

The Osmonds are talented, the Tabernacle Choir is marvelously impressive and the Tabernacle is a beautiful and historic venue, which is one of Salt Lake City's crown jewels. I'm filled with civic pride every time I see it.

This evening, on my way to a different destination, I saw all the well-dressed families and couples walking purposefully toward temple square, and I assumed there was a big concert at the Tab. I didn't realize it was *this* big, though.

This reporter's account of the concert is well-written and finely detailed.

Still, after having read the story, I can't say that there was anything in that concert that I am sorry to have missed. I am confident that, had I attended the concert with 50 of my closest friends and associates, we all would have fallen fast asleep before the intermission.

While I'm very glad that so many people were uplifted and inspired by the event, it really does go to show that there are two Utahs.

I wish sometimes that the twain could meet.

Mary | 6:42 a.m. July 26, 2008

It has been one of my life's treasures to grow old with the Osmond Family. I grew up in Ogden and had heard of them and then watched them on Andy Williams Show. We have laughed with them and cried with them over their life challenges. But one thing remains true, they always take the higher road and trust in God. Their parents have been such an inspiration to us all.

I have been fighting cancer this past year, and put out the word to all my family that what I wanted for my birthday was to see the Osmonds. They all put in for tickets. I didn't get any but 3 family members did and we were ab;e to attend last night. I only wish that everyone who wanted to go could have attended. Thanks Osmonds for being a part of this great community! Good luck in your future endeavors!

Chuck Anziulewicz | 7:28 a.m. July 26, 2008

Good Heavens! Marie has gone from zaftig to downright anorexic. She need to eat something.

erl | 7:42 a.m. July 26, 2008

As good as the concert was-and it was wonderful-it could have been so much better if the sound system were better. (I know, this is anathema to mention.) Through most of the evening, I kept waiting for the choir to be moved forward from the "alcove" where they reside out to where we could hear them better. Quality fine-audio level-hard to hear clearly. (yes, my hearing tests fine every year.) Frankly, they have sounded more distinct on the TV at home. As for the Osmonds, once the sound got past the echo effect, they sounded fine.

Everything sounded great when either group really added volume to a section.

Just Me | 7:47 a.m. July 26, 2008

I was at the concert last night. Sheer joy seeing this legendary family on stage with the MTC, it was a sight to behold and 90 minutes I will never, ever forget!

Just curious | 8:05 a.m. July 26, 2008

I wonder how many converts heard about the church through the family's music? My guess would be thousands if not more. Great concert line up and inspirational music.

Kisser S�rensen | 8:07 a.m. July 26, 2008

I am so looking forward to seeing the concert on line in the morning. I too have been a fan for many years at least 35 yrs. If it hadn't been for you I woildn't have been a member for 31 yrs, thanks for beeing good examples.
Luv
Kisser

Anonymous | 8:16 a.m. July 26, 2008

I'm a film and television director and was fortunate to have tickets last night. This was one of the most amazing concerts I've been to.

Kudo's to the the entertainers and to the LDS Church for having the vision and talent to put an event like this together. A once in a lifetime opportunity. Thank you!

just a Utah valley Utahn | 8:21 a.m. July 26, 2008

I tried to attend a concert in the Marriott Center in Provo many, many years ago when I was about 16 years old. Tickets sold out. My friend and I came back just before the show and lucked into two scalped tickets. It was a great concert.
Now, many, many years later, I think the Osmonds have everything to be proud of. Well done.

That's a touching story - BUT | 8:30 a.m. July 26, 2008

Wall Street Journal talking about the overwhelmingly conservative values that are throughout The Dark Knight, the Batman movie. I haven't seen it, so I'm relying on his review. But he raises a great question. The left can go out there and make all their trash- the-military, trash-the-war movies. They do it all right out in the open. All of these movies bomb, by the way. The Dark Knight, 300, The Passion of the Christ - any number of these movies that have traditional values where right and wrong is clearly defined; the bad guys always lose, there's nothing of moral equivalence between evil and good; and yet - those movies have to be presented as cartoons with the mask over the hero as in Batman. Why is this? The answers to these questions seem to me to be embedded in the story of 'The Dark Knight itself: Doing what's right is hard, and speaking the truth is dangerous. Many have been abhorred for it, some killed, one (has even been) crucified. Leftists frequently complain that right-wing morality is simplistic. Morality is relative, they say; nuanced, complex. They're wrong, of course, even on their own terms.

Barbie=FLA USA | 9:01 a.m. July 26, 2008

What a special night for everyone there...and how I wished this could have been captured LIVE on PBS. I will be listening online tonight as well as hundreds around the world. I thank GOD for this wonderful family who have meant so much to so many of us.

Anonymous | 9:40 a.m. July 26, 2008

Great concert! I was in awe a finally see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing but then The Osmond's came out and it got so much better. I have been a fan for 40 and I could not have been prouder and move to tears like I was when they receive there standing ovation that went on forever after "Through the Year". Thank you for so many wonderful memories.
Lynn

Charles | 10:29 a.m. July 26, 2008

It's sad to see a heart so closed and cold as that of RangerGordon. If you can't appreciate the musical talents of those involved in this concert and have your heart touched, then that is very sad indeed.

I'd love to have tickets for this concert and be able to feel the inspiration behind the pioneers who traversed such a difficult path; yet not one of them complained. Truly inspiring!

Lynn_KeyWest,FL | 10:38 a.m. July 26, 2008

Looking forward to tonight's telecast on BYUtv to see this historic performance. Today and always, I stand PROUD to be an Osmond Fan!!! Thank you the story and coverage for everyone around the world!

Thank you | 10:36 a.m. July 26, 2008

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to feel the spirit. We have watched the lord work in the lives of this family and it reminds us of what we can be. This family exemplifies all that is good. They have had their ups and downs but have never brought shame upon themselves, their family or church. Hollywood could learn a thing or two from the Osmonds.

AWB | 10:57 a.m. July 26, 2008

I am ex-Mormon, and I've often commented that the only thing I miss is the music. I was able to attend Friday night's concert and, WOW ! ! It was such a great experience. MoTab AND the Osmonds in one program. Such incredible talent. And, I must say, Mack's arrangements are some of the most creative and beautiful choral work that I've experienced. Big thanks to all the wonderful people who made such a performance possible!

Anonymous | 11:34 a.m. July 26, 2008

What a touchie / feels good story, that the Osmonds, and LDS Tabernacle Choir will unite in song, BUT WAIT, where's Obama, is he gonna dance to these tunes there to, the drive by media can't leave him out ya know. Oh I forgot, he's on his own concert world wide tour at the tax payers expence.

What chan. will the Osmonds, Tabernacle Choir unite in song - be on?, no one said.

TO AWB | 11:50 a.m. July 26, 2008

AWB--what you feel is the Spirit. You say you are an ex-Mormon. You cannot deny the truth and the testimony you feel when you hear the music. The gospel and the words sung in those hymns are true. Come back. You will be welcomed with open arms. Come back.

Ellen W. | 12:31 p.m. July 26, 2008

I didn't attend, so must rely on those who were there to answer my question. Did the Osmonds and Tabernacle Choir work well together, or did it feel like a strained marriage? I saw the news report on television last night and noticed the strobe lights flying around the Conference Center. I felt a little embarrassed for the Mo Tab. It felt like a grandma and grandpa going to a rock concert to show that they've still got it. I hope that my impressions are wrong.

LEP - from Santa Clara, UT | 12:31 p.m. July 26, 2008

When will the latest program of the Osmonds and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir be avaibale on DVD? Phenominal! Fantastic! I never thought it would be anything like what was presented. It was definitely better than something you would see in Las Vegas or New York, plus you were not embarassed, but were uplifted and made to feel good. Thank you! Thank You!

Please come back.

Warren | 12:29 p.m. July 26, 2008

A great concert! Where else in the world can you go to such a inspiring evening event with the whole family, feel totally uplifted and entertained free of charge. Thank you to the LDS Church and all who gave of their time and talents to make such an evening possible! Thank you to the Osmonds!

Lisa-Massachusetts | 12:36 p.m. July 26, 2008

Thanks for the great article/review and photos on the Osmond Family performance at the Conference Center. I only wish I were able to experience this wonderful night myself. Had the privelege to attend M@SW 2 years ago with my husband in the Conference Center and we were amazed by the hall and the Choir. We now enjoy M&SW every Sunday on Hallmark Channel. Hope to also catch this magical performance on BYU-TV/online.

AL to AWB | 12:43 p.m. July 26, 2008

Please come back. You are needed and loved and will be welcomed back with open arms!!!!!!

Joey | 1:22 p.m. July 26, 2008

If only I could express my fellings about this family in under 200 words. So I will do it with one word WOW.

LeRoy | 2:31 p.m. July 26, 2008

My love of the Osmonds started on a warm night in
July of 1960 at a varity show in American Fork, Utah. and has lasted ever since, not so much by
their amazing talents as by their integrity. It
is only fitting that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir lend their talents to their farwell appearance.

Stewart Rowberry | 2:45 p.m. July 26, 2008

What a family! The Osmonds truly represent the great Latter Day Saint Spirit! One time years ago, my wife, Peggy, and I were traveling on a plane to Salt Lake. We had been unable to obtain seats together--both of us had center seats in our respective rows many rows apart. A gentleman in the aisle seat next to my spouse told her he would trade seats with me so we could be together. I was, therefore, able to be with my wife. As the trip progressed I observed a Sister in the row of seats opposite us was talking about the Book of Mormon with the person next to her. As we departed in Salt Lake, we recognized Marie Osmond as the Sister, and the gentleman who had given up his aisle seat to ride in a center seat was one of the Osmond Brothers. Truly a wonderful family. Thoughtful and talentred!

Happy for you | 2:46 p.m. July 26, 2008

I remember listening to you sing as early as 5 years old. You have always been a part of our family. We love and appreciate all that you have done over the years. Thank you for your example, and your testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

CTR | 2:51 p.m. July 26, 2008

This whole concert sounds great, but I have questions: Which Osmonds will no longer be performing? I haven't heard the answer to that in any reports! I think for all the people that got to go to the concert it must have been pretty special. For those of us that never can get tickets to those things, I feel pretty sad, and sometimes angered. So many of the tickets go to church employees and their families that there is seldom any left over for the average Joe. And if you go to the stand by line, you go home without seeing the show. That's sad.

Lisa Bartolotta | 3:05 p.m. July 26, 2008

Thank you Dessert News for printing this article and Osmond Family for all the wonderful years. I've been a huge osmond Fan for nearly 40 years and you all just keep on getting better. You're all a wonderful exampl;e of what is truly good in this world. Thank you to a wonderful family whom I've always loved and will continue.
PS: Please do a 50th. Reunion USA Tour. We love you here too.

I'm still... | 3:32 p.m. July 26, 2008

in LOVE with Marie. Still hot as ever.....

Fan in Maine...

Chrissie in Wales, UK | 3:32 p.m. July 26, 2008

I was at the Cardiff concert...it was honestly one of the best concerts I have ever been to in my whole life. Just WONDERFUL!!! Wish I could be in Salt Lake to see them perform in the tabernacle. I fell in love with their talent in the 70s and am still a fan. And then through their example they introduced me to the church. I always refer to them as 'my missionaries' :D

Chrissie in Wales UK | 3:33 p.m. July 26, 2008

Just realised of course that they're performing in the Conference Center and not the tabernacle. Duh!

Anonymous | 4:23 p.m. July 26, 2008

I want to express my gratitude to the Church leaders who have this incredible idea of having the Osmonds and the TC performing together. I am sure it sounded crazy at the beginning to many, as somebody said here, maybe kind of disrespectful to a place like the Conference Center. But, the Center was built as a stage for performing artist too if we remember what Pres. Hinckley said about it before construction. Anyway, I went to the concert, yes, i was lucky and what a wonderful experience that was enjoyable not only to seniors and adults but to the youth too. And that is my point: so difficult to have the youth coming to these events because they are "boring" but last night was just amazing. Listening the Osmonds band with incredible electric guitar, saxos and piano arrangments for their songs performing in the Center was definitely different but what a fun and uplifting night we had! I can't deny this: listening a pop concert (or bubble gummer, whatever) with Pres. Monson present was like a bunch of teens with a chaperone! Thanks Osmonds! as usual, you were just great and entertaining! and the Choir.. heavenly as usual!

Tickets | 4:38 p.m. July 26, 2008

If any one has any tickets please let me know,

Choir Watcher | 4:48 p.m. July 26, 2008

Tonight will be a night to remember Dr. Wilberg is one of the greatest Composers of all time. I have heard many of his arrangements with the Men's Choir @ BYU and now with the MoTab Choir, Good Luck to you,He does his arrangements very well You always know the arrangements will be done so good,
Thanks alot Dr. Wilberg, for making the Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square what it is today,

Tonya in Ocala, Fl | 4:50 p.m. July 26, 2008

The Osmond family has been an inspiration to so many of us "Through the Years" and will continue to be for many years to come. I thank you for always delivering good "QUALITY" entertainment that will always remain in style! God Bless you all from Florida.

Kjirstin | 4:48 p.m. July 26, 2008

Though not my favorite style (Jazz or Classical) I've followed this family most of my life, and when my sister twisted my arm (as she did when we were kids, and got me to drive her three hours away to Dodger Stadium, where we met Marie for the first time), we all tried to get tickets so she would be able to attend, and ended up getting enough for all of us. We leave in five minutes, and I must say I'm really looking forward to seeing it all, and thankful to the Osmonds, the Choir, and the Church, for getting my husband and I off our comfy couch and doing something with the extended family when it isn't even Christmas!

extrafeetmom | 5:19 p.m. July 26, 2008

# 1- The Conference Center is NOT a religious building It was decicated to the Arts AND Church work. It's not a temple, so there can be rock music and lights going on.
# 2- Obama wasn't there.
# 3- Some of the Osmonds are getting older, and ill, maybe they don't sing as well as they used to when they were teenagers. Do you sound as good as you did 35 years ago? The have brought a lot to the music world and possitve attention to the Church.
# 4- Mac Whilburg AND The Osmonds, didn't want the Choir to sing loudly when they were singing together. The sound was excellent.... neither over powered which would of been sad. The church didn't spare any expense when it came to the sound of The Conference Center.....ERL, get a miracle ear.
I have a family member that was in the production of this concert and I was there......
Be Possitive or don't post. Life is to short to nit pick things apart like this.

TV coverage | 6:44 p.m. July 26, 2008

Saw on BYU-TV today that tonight's concert
(Saturday) is going to BE ON BYU-TV at 7:30 LIVE
Mountain Time!!! Don't know if KBYU Channel 11 in Utah will do it too?

BUT IT WAS PROMOTED ON the BYU-TV cable/satellite
channel This morning!!! Dish Network and Direct TV both have the BYU-TV channel.

Enjoy the concert!!!

Ellen in TN | 6:52 p.m. July 26, 2008

AWB - I am also an ex-Mormon - I am still a Christian - I credit my time in the church with saving my life - I investigated because of the Osmonds - I joined because it made sense but never developed a testimony - After 10 years active and 10 years inactive I requested to taken off the record - I felt guilty having a home and visiting teacher every month when I had no intention of going back - I think you can enjoy the music and hymns and feel the spirit and belong to a totally different denomination - We are all chritians and you should do what you feel led by God to do - Use prayer to talk to Him and He will talk to you

Anjilsweet1223 | 8:15 p.m. July 26, 2008

Watching the concert was AWESOME !

Anonymous | 8:34 p.m. July 26, 2008

What an awesome concert! The choir is always wonderful, the Osmonds always great. Forget anything cheesy about the Osmonds and just enjoy their talent.

Anonymous | 8:37 p.m. July 26, 2008

To Ellen in TN and AWB--I'm an active member of the church and have found that I can feel the Spirit in many situations, including walking into a cathedral, listening to a young man at his Bar Mitzvah, etc. I truly believe that this is the only true church, but if you don't feel the same way, please know that your Heavenly Father still loves you and those times you do feel the Spirit are the little "I love you"s that make life worthwhile.

Anonymous | 9:02 p.m. July 26, 2008

Sometimes I think a singer should hang it up at a certain age. On the other hand, if they can still draw an audience, why not.

I'd rather see The Band, Strolling Bones, Bowie and others who are groundbreaking groups/singers. The Osmonds today is like seeing the Jonas Brothers 40 years from now. The best work the Osmonds ever did was Donny's comeback album.

Technology is awesome | 9:04 p.m. July 26, 2008

I just finished watching the concert on my computer from byu.tv - it must have been incredible to have been in the Concert Center.

I love the MoTab. They are so fantastic.

I'm old enough to have heard of the Osmond's but too young to have heard them, but watching those little boys sing SIDE BY SIDE was incredible. I wish there was a group like that right now that just sang good music that my little family could listen to together.

Kisser from Denmark | 9:24 p.m. July 26, 2008

I am grateful that I got op early this morning to see the wonderful concert online. I am so grateful for all the work you have done, and for letting the world know about the church. I first heard about the church because of you. It was back in the seventies. And I am so grateful for it. Because of it I have served at mission and married in the temple. My testimony has grown and I am SO grateful for it. THANKS for spredding the gospel. THANKS for being such great examples.

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11 photos

Tom Smart, Deseret News

The Osmond family performs as special guests with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square at the Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert in Salt Lake City Friday.

Gallery (11 photos)